How to Prepare Darjeeling Tea?

Darjeeling tea, often called the “Champagne of Teas”, is renowned for its delicate character, floral aroma, and layered flavour. Unlike stronger teas that tolerate heavy steeping or added milk and sugar, Darjeeling tea is best enjoyed when brewed with care and precision.

At Radhika & Son, we view tea preparation as more than just a method — it’s a ritual. A well-made cup reflects not only the quality of the leaf but also the attention of the person brewing it. When handled with care, Darjeeling tea offers clarity, calm, and complexity in every sip.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

Step 1: Use Fresh, Filtered Water  

Begin by boiling freshly drawn, cold, filtered water. Avoid reboiled, distilled, or stagnant water as these can alter the flavour. Hard water or water high in mineral content may also mute the tea’s subtleties.

Step 2: Pre-warm Your Teapot  

Pour a small amount of hot water into your teapot, swirl it gently, and discard. This helps maintain a consistent steeping temperature and ensures your tea brews evenly.

Step 3: Measure the Tea  

Add 1 teaspoon (approx. 2–2.5 grams) of loose leaf Darjeeling tea per cup into the pre-warmed teapot. Allow the just-boiled water to sit for 1–2 minutes before pouring it over the leaves. This slight cooling protects the delicate leaves from scalding and preserves their refined character.

Step 4: Steep with Precision  

Let the tea steep for 5 minutes. Over-steeping can introduce bitterness and mask the natural elegance of the tea. Use a timer for accuracy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy  

Strain the tea into a cup and pause to appreciate the aroma before sipping.  

– First Flush and Autumn Flush teas are best enjoyed without milk or sugar.  

– Second Flush teas, with their muscatel depth, can be complemented with a small splash of milk if desired.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Cup

• Tea-to-Water Ratio: Stick to consistent measurements for a balanced brew.  
• Teapot Material: Glass or porcelain teapots are ideal for temperature retention and do not interfere with flavour.  
• Infuser Choice: If using an infuser, opt for ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. Avoid low-grade metal infusers that may impart an aftertaste.  
• Proper Storage: Store Darjeeling tea in an airtight container, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight to maintain freshness.  
• Re-steeping: Premium Darjeeling teas can often be re-steeped once. Try a shorter steep on the second infusion to discover new layers of flavour.

By following these simple yet essential steps, you’ll unlock the full character of Darjeeling tea — from its floral first flushes to its complex second and mellow autumn harvests. Each cup is a celebration of time, place, and craft.